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Martin Ndichu

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 CRE PAPER ONE

CONTENT Page

Chapter 1: Christian Religion Education……………. …..…………………………………. 1

Chapter 2: Creation and the Fall of Man……………………………………………………… 8

Chapter 3: Faith and God’s Promises – Abraham…….………………………………….… 17

Chapter 4: Sinai Covenant – Moses………………………………...……………………… 26

Chapter 5: Leadership in God’s Plan – David and Solomon…………………………………….... 34

Chapter 6: Loyalty to God – Elijah………………………………………………………... 42

Chapter 7: The Writing of Prophetic Messages …………………………...….………….... 49

Chapter 8: Prophet Amos………………………………………………...…….………....... 54

Chapter 9: Prophet Jeremiah ……………………….………………………….…………. 64

Chapter 10: Jeremiah’s teaching On Judgment and Punishment …….…….……………… 70

Chapter 11: Jeremiah’s Teachings on Suffering and Hope ………….……….…………… 73

Chapter 12: Nehemiah …………………………………………………………………… 79

Chapter 13: The Restoration of the Jewish Community ………………………...………… 84

Chapter 14: African Religious Heritage – Moral and Cultural Values…………………. 89

Chapter 15: The Meaning of Life and Its Wholeness in Traditional African Society…… 94

Chapter 16: The Rite of Passage and Moral Value ……………………………………. 97

Chapter 17: African Moral Values ………………………….……………………………111

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CHAPTER 1: CHRISTIAN RELIGION EDUCATION
Reasons why we study CRE.
- To get better understanding of God/ spiritual growth.
- To appreciate our religion/ culture as well as of others.
- To help us to appreciate the Christian faith and that of others.
- To help us live new lives in Christ.
- To help us develop a sense of self-worth and identity for ourselves and others.
- To help us to acquire skills to handle challenges in life.
- To help us acquire new principles of Christian way of living/ moral values.
- It leads to employment/ acts as a bridge to further studies/ is a career subject.
- To provide answers to some life’s questions/ mysteries of life.
- To contribute to the achievement of the national goals of education.

National goals of education promoted through the study of Christian religious Education.
- National unity, love and peace.
- Social equality
- International consciousness
- Cultural heritage.
- Individual development and self-fulfillment.
- National development such as social and economic needs.

Ways in which the teaching of C.R.E. promotes international consciousness.

- Helps one to appreciate all men as God’s creation/one human race.
- Helps one to appreciate that God created all men with a purpose/irrespective of their background.
- Helps one to appreciate responsibility for others/love one’s neighbors.
- Enables learners to understand/respect/appreciate other people’s faith.
- Helps one to appreciate the universality of God. (Amos pronounced judgement to all)
- Helps one to appreciate sharing/helping others in times of need like apostles in times of The early
church.

How learning of CRE has promoted morality in the society.

- Develops one’s character to be suitable to serve and live in society.
- It instills the virtues of honesty, diligence, tolerance in people.
- Contributes to spiritual development of an individual.
- Encourages love among people.
- Build’s our faith in God.
- Develops basic principles of Christian living.
- Helps one to cope up with various challenges in life.
- Instills the spirit of sharing.
- Promotes social cohesion and unity.
- Instills the spirit of self-esteem.

How study of CRE promotes national unity.

- It teaches on moral values such as love, cooperation etc which strengthen unity among people.
- It teaches on social equality of all races and tribes.
- It teaches on need to respect our religion and those of others.
- It promotes our culture and that of others.
- It encourages respect to authority and laws of the country.
- It promotes national consciousness.
- The subject is studied by students of different religious backgrounds thus enhancing national unity.
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 - It teaches that all human beings are equal before God.
- The teaching of CRE helps in appreciating other people’s faith.
- It teaches the importance of understanding oneself and appreciating others.

How learning of CRE in secondary school promote the goal of national development.
- It enables the learn to have positive attitude towards work/ discourage laziness.
- Helps the learner to acquire virtues/ moral values that promote economic development.
- It discourages vices which hinder national development.
- It equips learners with knowledge/ skills which leads to career development/ employment.
- The learners are taught their duties/ responsibilities as human beings to develop the nation.
- Learners are taught the need to use their talents for the development of the nation.
- It stresses the importance of peace/ love/ unity which contribute to a favourable working
condition.
- The learners are taught to appreciate their culture as well those of others to promote
national consciousness.

THE BIBLE
- Bible is the written word of God through which he communicates to Christians.

Reasons why it’s the word of God

- The people/authors who wrote the Bible were under the influence of the Holy Spirit /
inspired.
- Through it, God' s character /attributes/ nature is revealed / speak about God.
- God speaks/communicates to human beings through the Bible/it contains God' s spoken
words.
- It shows the will / desire of God for human beings.
- Through the Bible God guides people in their daily lives.
- It’s source of moral values and transforms life.
- It transforms lives of people / source of moral values
- Part of the Bible was directly written by God Himself i.e the Ten Commandments
- Prophecies/ promises made in the Bible have been / are being fulfilled.
- Contains records of experiences of great men such as Abraham, Moses, and David with
God.
- It reveals the actions done by God.
- It outlines God' s plan salvation fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
- It remains relevant for all generations/ never changes.

Authors of the bible.

- Moses – Genesis - David – Psalms
- Solomon – Proverbs - Paul – Galatians (Pauline’s letters)
- Peter – I & II Peter - Luke – Acts, Luke
- Jeremiah – Jeremiah - John – Revelation

Literary forms used in the writing of the Bible

- Legislative texts – Leviticus. - Wise sayings - proverbs.
- Prophetic speeches - Jeremiah. - Letters / Epistles -. Romans

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 - Prayers – Nehemiah. - Love Songs – songs of Solomon.
- Philosophical essays – job. - Religious epics – exodus.
- Gospels – Luke.

Reasons why the bible is a library.

A library is a collection of magazines, newspapers, novels and encyclopedia.
- It contains many (66) books.
- Different authors wrote different books.
- It was written in different times/ historical period or ages.
- Contains different messages directed to different people/ audience.
- Different books fall in different subjects e.g. history, law etc
- The books are written in different styles/forms
- It has different categories of books/divisions
- The books in the Bible address different issues/topics/purposes
- The books are systematically arranged /order/chronologically

Major Division of the Bible.

- Old Testament.
- New Testament.
Old Testament
Has 39 books and divided into five categories which are:
- Law books. - Poetry books.
- Historical books. - Major Prophetic books.
- Minor prophetic books.

Books of law also referred to as Pentateuch.

They are five in number and include: -
- Genesis - Exodus. - Leviticus - Numbers - Deuteronomy

Historical books
Contain history of Israel from the time they entered Canaan to the period after the exile of the kingdom of
Israel and that of Judah.
They are 12 and include:
- Joshua. - Judges. - Ruth.
- 1 and 2 Samuel. - 1and 2 kings. - 1 and 2 chronicles.
- Ezra. - Nehemiah. - Esther.

Major Prophetic Books.

They are 5 in number.
- Jeremiah. - Isaiah - Ezekiel. - Daniel - Lamentation

Minor Prophetic Books

They are 12 in number.
- Hosea. - Joel - Amos - Obadiah
- Jonah - Micah - Nahum - Habakkuk
- Zephaniah - Haggai - Zechariah - Malachi.

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Poetry /writing /wisdom books. (They are 5 in number)
- Psalms. - Proverbs - Job - Ecclesiastes. - Songs of Solomon
(songs).

Deuteron-canonical books found in the Catholic bible. (They are six in number)
- Tobit - Judith - I, II Maccabees - Book of wisdom - Ecclesiasticus - Baruch

The New Testament.

They are 27 in number and subdivided into four major groups as follows:
- Gospels
- Historical books.
- Letters/epistles.
- Prophetic book.

Gospels/ Good News/ biographical books.

- Matthew - Mark - Luke. - John.

Historical books
- Acts of apostles

The Epistles/Letters
They are 21 in number and divided into 3 categories.

The letters of Paul (Pauline letters)

- Romans - I and II Corinthians - Galatians - Ephesians
- Philippians - Colossians - I and II Thessalonians.

Pastoral letters
- I and II timothy - Titus - Philemon - Hebrews

Universal/ catholic letters

- James. - 1 and 2 peter - 1,2 and 3 John - Jude

Prophetic books.
- Book of Revelation (Apocalypse Greek word meaning revelation or disclosure).

Translation of the bible from original language to local language in Kenya.

- The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew.
- The New Testament was originally written in Greek.
- The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew into Greek.
- The entire Bible was translated into Latin by Jerome.
- The Bible was translated directly from Hebrew and Greek into English by William Tyndale.
- The Bible was translated into national languages of European countries during the period
of Reformation/Germany.
- It was translated from English into Kiswahili by Dr.Ludwig Krapf
- The Bible has been translated into other local languages by the Bible Society of Kenya.
- The translation of the bible into local languages in Kenya is still ongoing.

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Reasons why the Bible was translated from original languages to other vernacular Languages.
- To facilitate spread of the word of God to communities all over the world.
- To train local people to take up church leadership.
- To interpret foreign concepts in the bible into local context.
- The original languages (Greek and Hebrew) were not so clear.
- To convert many people to Christianity.
- To enable many people to read and understand the word of God in all communities.
- To indigenize Christianity/help people of different communities identify with and accept the
biblical message.
- For individuals to read the bible at their free time.
- To expand Christianity in gentile world.

Effects of the translation of the Bible into African languages.

- The bible has been written in the languages that African can understand.
- It has led to development of African/local languages.
- It has led to further spread of Christianity/ has led to more converts.
- It has led to the rise of African Independent Churches/ schools.
- It has led to the development of reading/ writing/ formal education/ literacy.
- It has led to establishment of printing press to meet the more demand of the bibles.
- It has led to establishment of bible societies to translate the bible into more local languages.
- It created jobs/ employment in the printing/ films.
- Africans demanded for leadership roles.
- It has led to divisions in the church due to different interpretation of the scriptures.
- It has led research into African religious heritage/belief/appreciation of the African culture.
- It has promoted ecumenical movement among Christians.

Reasons why the Bible had to be compiled into its present form by early Christians.
- In order to prevent information from getting lost.
- Because the eye witnesses of Jesus were being killed.
- Due to the expansion of the church / increased number of believers who needed materials to refer to.
- To counteract false teachings which were confusing the believers.
- To ensure the same doctrines and beliefs were being taught to all Christians.
- To reach out the Jews in diaspora.
- To preserve an orderly account of Biblical themes / avoid distortion.

Hindrances to the process of Bible translation today

- High levels of illiteracy in some parts of the country.
- Lack of money to fund the expensive translation process.
- Remoteness of some geographical regions which makes it inaccessible for the translators.
- Few people with translation skills and knowledge.
- Languages are dynamic which makes translation difficult (SHENG).

Version of the bible used in Kenya today

- Good news bible - Revised standard version - The African bible
- New king James version - King James version - Common bible
- New international version - Jerusalem bible - English bible
- The authorized version - The Gideon’s international bible - The living bible

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Ways in which the church is spreading the word of God today.
- By use of electronic media.
- By providing Bibles.
- Through publishing/printing Christian literature/magazines.
- By carrying outreach campaigns/door to door witness.
- Organizing youth camps/seminars/retreats/conferences.
- Supporting the teaching of Christian Religious Education/pastoral programme.
- By encouraging members to visit the sick/provision of medical care.
- By preaching the word/holding crusades.
- By sending out missionaries/financing them.
- By organizing choirs/singing groups/drama.
- Funding the Bible Society of Kenya to translate Bible into local languages.

Occasions where the bible is used in Kenya today.

- When preaching the word of God (crusade/church sermons)
- When in court as a witness.
- When instructing new converts/conducting Bible study
- During different Christian religious ceremonies/festivals
- When teaching Christian Religious Education in schools.
- When composing Gospel songs/plays/Christian literature
- During fellowships/prayers/guidance and counselling.
- During a swearing in ceremony.
- When Composing Christian songs.

Reasons why reading the bible is important to Christians.

- It provides moral and spiritual guidance.
- Helps them discover the will of God/ God reveal himself through bible.
- Reading the bible is an aspect of Christians worship/ a way of worshipping.
- The bible is the basis of Christians doctrines and practices/ Helps in understanding
Christians doctrines/eschatological times.
- It gives guidance on the relationship among human beings/ and between human beings
and God.
- It is the word of God.
- Christians come to discover who they are/ help a person discover his/ her worth dignity of
the human person.
- It is a source of consolation to Christians gives hope to Christians/ personalize hope.
- Source of knowledge/ enlightened/ improves their knowledge.
- Helps in spiritual development and maturity/ enlightens them/ improve their faith.
- Helps them understand the universe/ environment/ their relationship to it.
- Helps them understand the meaning of their lives and relationship to God/ and to one
another.

Ways in which Christians use the Bible in Kenya today

- Christians read the Bible for spiritual growth/ meditation/ Bible study.
- They use it for instructing converts.
- It is used as a text book when teaching Christian Religious Education in schools/colleges.
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 - It is used as resource material in search of general knowledge.
- It is used to compose Christian hymns/ songs/ dramas/ plays/ films.
- It is used in taking oaths/vows/swearing.
- It is used as a prayer book
- It is used for preaching evangelism
- It is used to explain Christian ethics/ rituals/ doctrines.
- It is used to produce Christian literatures like Christian magazines.

Ways in which Christians use the Bible to spread the Gospel today.
- Christians read the bible to others so that they can hear the word of God/ sermons/
wedding/ burial ceremony.
- They use the bible to instruct/ teach new converts.
- The Bible is the main text in teaching/ learning of religious studies in institutions.
- They use the bible as a basic reference book in general research of knowledge/ development
of Christian religious syllabus.
- They use the bible to compose Christians songs/ hymns/ drama/ films.
- They use the bible when writing Christians books/ magazines/ pamphlets/ banners.
- They use the bible during discussions fellowships/ bible studies.
- They use it during prayers/ faith healing.
- Through use of electronic media/ science and technology.
- It is used to offer guidance and counseling.

Reasons why Christians use the bible in worship.

- It’s the word of God/ contains the message from God.
- It creates unity among Christians through teachings of equality.
- It has moral teachings that guide Christians.
- It has prayers/songs used in worship.
- It has guidelines on rituals to be conducted by Christians.
- It is a source of belief about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit/Church.
- It outlines church leadership roles.
- It is a source of religious customs to be followed by Christians.
- It strengthens Christian’s faith in their daily lives and gives them hope.
- It is a source of healing power and miracles

Reasons why some youth do not embrace the teachings of the Bible
- Influence from negative peer pressure.
- Permissiveness or moral decay in society.
- Negative Influence from electronic and print media.
- They lack faith in God.
- The Bible rebukes their evil behavior.
- They lack role models to learn from.
- Involvement in drug abuse and alcoholism.
- Ignorance caused by poor parenthood.
- They may argue it is not scientifically proved.

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Why some Christians find it difficult to read the bible.
- Some Christians do not read the bible because of laziness.
- Some Christians do not have a bible/ may not afford to buy.
- Some Christians do not value the Bible/ consider it as an ordinary book.
- Some Christians do not create time to read the Bible/they have busy schedules.
- Some Christians are unable to read the Bible due to illiteracy.
- Some Christians fear reading the Bible because it rebukes/ exposes their sins.
- Some Christians do not believe in certain biblical teachings/ doctrines/ ideologies.
- Some Christians have challenges in interpreting/ understanding the Bible.
- Negative peer pressure/ influence.
- Lack of role models.

Ways in which the Bible is misused in Kenya today.

- It is used to take oaths in courts / offices by people who may not be believers /not saying the truth.
- There is distortion of the Biblical teachings as specific verses are picked to fulfill individual demand
misinterpretation
- Some people use Bible like an ordinary text book or reference.
- Some people are using it to enrich themselves or use it as a tool of trade.
- Some new version translated have changed the original meaning of the Bible.
- The Bible is not read for spiritual growth but it is kept for display.
- Some people use the Bible to threaten others/ administer curses.
- Some use it to enrich themselves.
- It is being used in cults to mislead people.

REVISION QUESTIONS ON INTRODUCTION TO CRE AND THE BIBLE.

 State how the teaching of C.R.E promotes National unity.
 List any eight reasons why Christian religious education is studied in Kenyan school.
 State ways in which the study of CRE promotes economic development.
 Explain how learning of CRE in secondary school promote the goal of national development(KCSE2019)
 Identify five National goals promoted through the study of Christian religious Education.
 Explain ways in which the study of C.R.E. in Secondary Schools has promoted morality in the society.
 Give seven reasons why the Bible is referred to as a library. (KCSE2008, 010, 17)
 Explain why the bible is considered as the word of God (KCSE2014)
 Through what ways were the human authors of the Bible inspired by God
 Identify six deutero-canonical books found in the Catholic bible.
 Giving examples, outline seven authors of the bible.
 Name the five books of the Bible which are referred to as Pentateuch.
 Identify eight historical books in the Old Testament. (KCSE2010, 17)
 Identify five poetic books in the bible. (KCSE2013)
 Identify seven literary forms used in the writing of the Bible (KCSE2012).
 Using illustrations mention any six forms which has been used in writing the Bible.
 Outline the translation of the bible from the original language to local language (KCSE2013)
 Give any six reasons why the Bible was translated from original languages to other vernacular languages.
 Give seven reasons why the translation of the bible from original language to other languages was important
 Outline eight reasons why the Bible had to be compiled into its present form by early Christians.
 State the effects of bible translation into local languages (KCSE2008, 014)
 Outline six ways in which Christians in Kenya use the Bible. (KCSE2012)
 State the ways in which the church is spreading the word of God today. (KCSE2008,013)
 Identify seven occasions when the bible is used in Kenya today. (KCSE2010, 17)
 Give five reasons why reading the Bible is important to Christians. (KCSE,06)
 State five versions of the Bible used by the churches in Kenya today (KCSE2005, 014)

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CHAPTER 2: CREATION AND THE FALL OF MAN.
The first account of creation in genesis 1-2:49
- Before the creation the earth was formless and empty.
- God created everything through a divine command ‘’..........let there be.............’’
- The work of creation took place in six days.
- On the first day God created Light (day) and separated it from darkness (night)
- On the second day God separated the waters above and waters below creating sky.
- Third day God created seas, land and vegetation.
- Fourth day He created sun to give light during the day while moon and stars to give light at night.
- Fifth day He created all kinds of birds of the air and sea creatures.
- Sixth day He created wild and domestic animals and later man in his own image and likeness.
- Human beings were given special privileges and responsibilities over other creatures.
- God commanded human beings to procreate and multiply.
- Everything that God created was good and pleasing to him.
- Seventh day God rested and made the day holy, special for worship.

The second account of creation in Genesis 2:4b-25

- When God created the heavens, the land was barren without any life.
- Amidst went up from the earth and watered the ground.
- God formed man from dust and breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life and he became a living
being.
- He planted the garden in Eden, in the east and there He put man whom He had formed.
- Out of the ground he made to grow every kind of trees including the tree of life and that of
knowledge of good and evil.
- The garden was watered by a river that divided into four rivers; Euphrates, Tigris, Pishon and
Gihon
- God took man and put man into the garden to till and guard it.
- Man was commanded to eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil lest he dies.
- God created all animals and gave them to man to name them but he found no suitable companion.
- God caused man to fall into a deep sleep, took one of his rib and created a woman to be his helper.
- Man named her woman because she was part of his bones and flesh.
- Both lived as husband and wife in companionship naked and without shame for each other.

Meaning of the biblical accounts of creation in Genesis chapter 1 and 2

- God existed before creation.
- God is the sole creator of all that exists/ universe.
- Creation is by the will/ power of God and not an accident.
- God is concerned with the wellbeing of the creation.
- Work/ rest was ordained by God.
- Everything God created was good.
- Marriage was ordained by God

Activities performed by God in the second creation account. (Genesis 2:4–2:25)

- God created heavens and earth.
- He molded man from the soil and gave him breath of life.
- He planted the garden of Eden
- God put man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and guard it.
- Commanded man to eat from all trees except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

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 - God planted all types of trees.
- Created all types of animals and gave them to man to name.
- He made Adam to fall into a deep sleep and God created woman from man’s ribs.
- He brought the woman to man/Adam.

Attributes of God learnt in the 1st and the 2nd creation account.
- God is the creator as he created all things.
- God is God of order as He created things in six days.
- God is a worker as he worked for six days.
- God is self-existent for he has no beginning
- God is personal God who requires personal r/ship with man.
- He is the provider of the universe.
- God is good/perfect as he has no evil.
- God is a spirit and not made of matter.
- God is a moral God as He is interested in human behaviour.
- God is all powerful above all creation.
- God uses the power of the word to create.
- God is the only God for all other things are His creation.

Lessons Christians learn from the Biblical accounts of creation.

- All the things that exist were created by God.
- Human beings are special as they are different from other creatures.
- Both man and woman were created for companionship and procreation.
- Human beings have the authority to control other creatures.
- Man is required by God to continue with his creation/ instructed to work.
- Man have a duty to worship God / fellowship.
- Man has been give other creations to use as his food.
- Man should use the environment for his own benefit and also to conserve it.

Similarities between the two creation account.

- In both God is the sole creator.
- In both human beings are given responsibilities/have authority over God's creation.
- In both accounts, human beings are special/share in God's image.
- There is a sense of order in both creation stories.
- In both stories, all created things depend on God for sustenance/ He is the provider.
- In both accounts God is self-existent/existed before creation.
- In both stories God is the source of life.
- In both God created male/female/human sexuality.

Difference between the two creation accounts

- The creation order of everything is mentioned in the 1st account but no order is given in the
2nd account.
- Male and female are created at the same time in the image of God in the first account while
in the second account man is made from dust and the woman form the man’s rib.
- In the first account, creation is out of nothing but in the second account man is made out of
dust of the ground and the plants are made to grow out of a garden.
- In the first account God gave names to what He orders to be while in the second account
man is made to give names to all that God created.
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 - In the 1st account human beings are to subdue the earth while in the 2 nd account God
confines them in the garden of Eden.
- In the 1st account creation was completed in six days while in the 2nd there were no number
of days given.
- God rested on the seventh day in the first account but there is no day of rest in the second
account.
- In the first account there is no mentioning of forbidden tree while in the second account
there is.
- In the first account the spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters while in the
second account the spirit of God is not mentioned.
- In the first account God appreciated everything as good while in the second account He
said that it is not good for man to be alone.
- In the first account God created human beings for procreation, while in the second account
they were created for companionship

Teaching from the genesis stories of creation.

- The universe was created in an orderly manner.
- All that God created was good.
- God intended all creations to reproduce and increase on the earth.
- Human kind was to care for God’s creations.
- Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God.
- Human beings are made to have fellowship with God.
- Humankind gets their life from God as He breathed life into his nostril.
- Work is divinely planned as well as leisure time.
- Human beings are given power to name all plants and animals.
- Human beings are social beings-male and female created.
- Human race is one, the origin and destiny.
- Human beings should live responsible lives.

Teachings about human beings from the Genesis stories of creation

- Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God.
- They are co-creators with God/ they continue with the work of God’s creation.
- Human life is given by God/ have the breath of life from God.
- They have been given authority and domination over God creation.
- They have the ability to think/reason and make choices/decisions in their lives.
- They are social beings’ / needs companionship.
- They have a duty to take care of the God’s creation/ till the land.
- Human beings are to use other creation such as plants for their benefits.
- Human beings are to procreate and multiply through marriage.
- Man and a woman are equal before God/ created by God.
- They have been created to obey and fellowship with God.

Ways in which human being are superior to the rest of creation.

- Human beings were made in the image and likeness of God.
- He is able to worship/ fellowship with God
- He is given responsibility to name the animals and plants.
- God breathed breath of life into human being.
- He is able to cultivate/till the land.

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 - He has authority/power to rule all creations.
- He is required to obey God’s command.
- All other things were created for the sake of man.
- Man was given freedom and intelligence to choose good from evil.
- He is a co-creator with God.
- He was given the privilege to name animals.
Provisions given to man by God in Genesis account of creation.
- Breathe of life.
- A place to settle.
- Food and water.
- Gave man a companion and a helper.
- Gave man the power to rule.
- Ability to think and make decisions.
- Ability to multiply and increase in number.

Responsibilities given to human beings by God after creation in the Genesis accounts of creation.
- Human beings are to till/cultivate the land.
- Human beings have been given dominion/be in charge of God’s creation/subdue//control
the earth/creation.
- Human beings are to guard/protect/conserve/care for the land/keep it.
- Human beings are to obey God’s command/instructions.
- Human beings are to marry for companionship/ help one another.
- They are to name God’s creation.
- Human beings are to procreate/fill the earth/multiply.

Ways in which Christians continue with God’s work of creation today

- Creation of employment opportunities.
- Through procreation and bringing up of children.
- Taking care of the needy.
- By caring and conserving the environment.
- By protecting and promoting human rights and freedom.
- Through scientific and technological discoveries which help to improve human life.
- Through farming or cultivating land/ land reclamation.
- Through manufacturing of goods and services.
- Through production of various types of energies e.g. solar energy, hydroelectric power e.t.c
- Through provision of medical facilities and services.
- Preaching and promoting peace in the society.

Reasons that Christians learn about work from the Genesis stories of creation.
- Work is ordained by God.
- All work is important.
- Work should be part of Christian’s life.
- God expects human beings to work.
- Work should be orderly.
- Work should be done diligently.
- Rest is important after work.

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How do Christians care for God’s creation today?
- They conserve the environment.
- They treat the rest of the creation with respect.
- Planting trees and avoiding cutting them without replacement.
- They take good care of wild animals by establishing game reserves and game parks for
them.
- Taking care of God’s creation by opposing deforestation and helping to control soil
erosion.
- Christians contribute to scientific discovery of medicine for various diseases by giving
monetary donations to relevant institutions.

Why man is considered the “image of God”

- Man is made in the image and likeness of God
- Man has the will to choose between good and evil
- God breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life i.e. God gave man physical and spiritual
life
- Man share with God in fellowship
- Man was given visioning powers than other animals
- God gave man control over the earth
- Man was made God’s co-creator

Bible teachings about marriages according to Genesis 1 & 2.

- Marriage is a sacred or a holy institution.
- Marriage is monogamous.
- Marriage is for procreation.
- Marriage is for companionship.
- Marriage is between a man and a woman.
- Marriage is a permanent union/ there should be no divorce.
- Husband and wife should not be ashamed of each other.
- There should be love between married partners.
- Man and woman are to complement each other in marriage.

Teachings on the relationship between human beings and God in the creation story.
- Human beings were created by God.
- God is concerned with the welfare of human beings.
- God created human beings to be special.
- Human beings are co-creators with God as they continue with God’s creation.
- God sustains the lives of human beings.
- God created human beings to be in charge of his creation.
- Human beings should obey God’s command and instructions.
- Human beings should work as God did.
- God created human beings to worship him.

The relationship between human beings and the environment in Genesis 1 and 2.
- Both human beings and environment were created by God.
- Human beings have a duty to be in charge and care of the
environment.
- Both owe their existence to each other.
- They share the same origin/destiny.

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 - Human beings should use the environment for their benefits.
- They should use the environment to determine time/seasons/years.
- They should treat the environment with respect.
- Human beings are superior to the environment.
- Human beings continue with creating the environment/multiply/till the earth.

Traditional African view of creation.

Every African society has a myth with the following views.
- God is supreme. He created the universe and everything in it.
- Human beings were created last.
- They play a central role in the created world/ They are co-creators with God.
- Man was given a wife to keep him company and be a helper.
- God is referred as creator, originator, maker, cleaver, and molder.
- Man was created and was in state of happiness.

Similarities between biblical and traditional African stories of creation.

- In both God created the universe and everything in it.
- In both God is portrayed as great than everything He created.
- In both human being has a duty to worship God.
- In both, God’s Work of creation is still ongoing.
- In both God continues to sustain/provide for His creation.
- In both God is the source of life.
- In both creation was done in an orderly manner.
- In both human beings are in charge of the creation/have authority over creation.
- In both, God created human both male and female

Ways in which people in traditional African communities takes care of God ‘s creation.
- Through providing basic needs for themselves/their families.
- They build shelters for domestic animals.
- They welcome/show hospitality to strangers/visitors.
- They share their resources with the needy.
- Through planting/conserving vegetation/protecting vegetation.
- They have herbal medicine to treat various ailments for both animals and human beings.
- Through preserving habitats for Wild animals.
- Through observing personal hygiene.
- Though protecting water catchment areas.
- Through practicing good farming methods that protect/enhance soil fertility/control soil
erosion.

Biblical teachings on the origin of sin in the world.

According to bible sin is understood as: -
- To miss a mark – meaning to make an error or mistake or failing to attain a goal.
- Iniquity – meaning that reality has become what ought not to exist.
- Transgression – meaning rebellion or an offence against God. Also means willful and
knowledgeable violence of a norm or standard e.g. covenant.

Origin/ causes of sin in the Old Testament.

- Sin came into the world as a result of disobedience of human beings to God.
- It originated from temptations by Satan.
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 - It was a rebellion against God.
- Came from greed and desire for material things.
- Sin originated from lack of satisfaction to God’s providence.
- Sin was due to lack of knowledge of God’s nature.
- Sin was as a result of human weakness.
- Due to lack of self-control or lust.
- Sin originated from greed for power and desire to be like God.
- It was free choice of human beings.

Ways in which human being rebelled against God according to Genesis stories of the origin of sin.
- The first human ate the fruit that God had forbidden them.
- They became selfish and wanted to be as wise as God.
- Human beings built the tower of Babel so as to be as famous as God.
- Cain killed Abel.
- During the time of Noah, there was violence and immorality.
- They showed lack of satisfaction in God’s providence.

The consequences of sin in genesis chapter 3.

- Human beings became alienated/ separated from God and friendship change into
fear of God.
- Child birth became a painful experience/ women to experience pain during labour
- Human beings became ashamed of their nakedness.
- Good relationship between God and man was ruined and they were send out of the
garden.
- Perfect relationship between man and woman was damaged becoming that of
hostility.
- People were to struggle to meet their daily needs – toil the land.
- The ground was cursed/ was to produce thorns/shrubs.
- The serpent was cursed to crawl and eat the dust.
- There was development of Enmity between human beings and the serpent.
- Human beings were expelled from the Garden of Eden.

Consequences in genesis chapter 4-11.

- Murderous feeling began to enter peoples heart e.g. Cain.
- Human beings changed and became prone to sin as his imagination and thought
became evil.
- God felt regret and remorse having created human beings.
- Death sentence was passed upon all people that they would return to dust.
- Human being’s days on earth were reduced/ the lifespan was reduced to 120 years.
- God confused human language after the flood.

Effects of sin on Adam and Eve.

- They became afraid of God/they hide when He called them.
- Man was to toil/ sweat the land inorder to get food.
- The woman was to be in pain when giving birth.
- They lost authority over the other creation.
- Man was to rule over the woman/inequality between man and woman set in.

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 - There developed enmity between the human beings and the serpent
- They became embarrassed because of their nakedness
- They were expelled out of the Garden of Eden /separated with God
- They started dying yet they were to live forever.

Ways which show God’s plan of salvation after Man’s fall in the Garden of Eden
- God looked for human beings when they ran to hide from Him.
- He provided them with clothing and means of livelihood.
- He gave human beings power to crush the snake as the ultimate victory over Satan.
- He put a mark on Cain’s face to protect him.
- Noah found favour with God.
- God did not destroy all his creation during the floods.
- He entered into a covenant with Noah.
- God gave a sign of a rainbow and promised not to destroy creation with water again.
- He blessed Noah’s family to be fruitful and fill the earth.
- God’s call of Abraham had the ultimate aim of saving all nations
- God called Moses and made a covenant with the Israelites.

Ways in which Christians in Kenya help to restore a member who has fallen into sin.
- By praying for/with the member.
- Through providing guidance and counselling/advice.
- Visiting the member/doing to a follow up after preaching to him/he.
- By inviting him/her to come to church.
- Forgiving/accepting him/her in church.
- Teaching/preaching the word of God to him/her.
- Rendering support to him/her by offering/providing material/financial support.
- By encouraging him/her to confess/repent/seek forgiveness.

Traditional African concept of evil.

- It means an offence against another person, or community, God, spirits or ancestors,
- Also means any misfortune that can befall any individual or community.

Causes of evil in African communities.

- Evil spirits.
- Malicious ancestral spirits - who had grudges against the living.
- Evil people like witches, wizards, and sorcerers who were able to tap mystical power and use it
for evil.
- Curses from parents, older relatives or older people.
- Breaking of taboos - which resulted in becoming ritually unclean.
- Breaking of oaths - which attracted punishment.
- Bad omen e.g. owls, certain acts, words or things were regarded as having the effect of
causing harm.

Agents of evil in African communities.

- Witches, wizards, sorcerers, malicious ancestral spirits, evil spirit and magicians.

Consequences of evil in African traditional understanding.

- Misfortunes such bareness, epidemics. Illness & poverty which befell the community or
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 individuals
- Madness, drought, birth of physically and mentally challenged children.
- Rebellious children, unstable families, environmental disasters, war.
- Death in some communities.

Causes of death in traditional African community.

- Curses from the parents and elders. - Witchcraft.
- Failure to perform certain taboos. - Breaking of taboos.
- Breaking of oaths. - Offending the ancestors.
- Natural calamities. - War and raids.

Methods of punishing evil-doers in Traditional African Communities.

- Cursing evil-doers by elders/parents.
- Payment of fines.
- Denial of certain privileges/access to social occasions.
- Banishment from the community/excommunication/expelling.
- Death sentence.
- Ridiculing/mockery/giving unpleasant names.
- Being tortured.
- Beating/flogging.
- Reprimanding wrong doers.
- Summoning the in disciplined member before the council of elders.
- Denying children food for some time.
- Refusing to name children after them.
- Denying them responsibilities/demotion.
-
Remedies of evil in traditional African communities.
- The person or people involved went for purification/ cleansing ceremonies.
- Sacrifices were offered to appease God, the spirits and ancestors.
- Children were taught to respect their parents and elders.
- Religious specialists were consulted to determine the cause and to offer solution.
- The offenders were punished.
- Charms were worn for protection.
- There was strict observance of customs and traditions.

Way in which Africans sought reconciliation with God

- Prayers. - Invocation of the name of God/ ancestors.
- Pouring of libations. - Cleansing the wrong doers / abstaining from certain
practices.
- Offering sacrifices. - Singing and dancing.
- Visiting sacred places. - Helping less fortunate and the needy.

Similarities between Traditional African view of evil and biblical concept of sin
- In both, evil and sin interfere with the smooth running of the community.
- In both cases evil and sin led to suffering or death.
- In both they were caused by disobedience, of human beings, greed and selfishness.
- In both sin and evil were punishable by God.
- In both it was failures in performing social and religious obligations that led to evil and
sin.
- In both cases, sin and evil caused separation between God and human beings.

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 - In both cases God was not responsible for the origin of sin and evil but man.
- In both Evil and sin brought separation/Bible-sin causes separation between man and God
while the African concept sin separated man from the living dead.
- In both cases there was the beginning of sin caused by external forces.
- In both cases evil and sin was to be corrected through people leading upright life.

Difference between biblical account and African concept of evil.

- In biblical account it emphasizes on personal nature of sin while African it emphasis on
social nature and consequences.
- In biblical it deals with sinful nature of human while African deals with the act of evil.
- In biblical it recognizes cause of sin as a moral choice people make while African attributes
evil to external forces like evil spirit.
- Biblical offers a final solution to sin that is salvation through Jesus Christ while African do
not offer final solution to the problem of evil.

Causes of evil in Kenya today.

- Poverty / Affluence. - Corruption / greed / selfishness.
- Disobedience / rebellion. - Influence from media / foreign culture / modern
technology.
- Inability to forgive others. - Permissiveness. / moral decadence in the society.
- Unemployment. - Wrong choices / lack of vision /negative peer
pressure.
- Poor role models / poor leadership. - Influence of drugs and substance abuse.
- Lack of guidance and counseling.
Consequences of evil in the society today
- Death - Diseases - Hatred among people
- Accidents - Embarrassments - Poverty
- Family conflicts - Calamities - Environmental pollution

Ways in which the church deals with evil in the society today.
- The church preaches against evil.
- By taking disciplinary actions against evil doers.
- By reporting evil doers to the authority.
- By rehabilitating criminals in the society.
- By praying & rebuking evil in the name of Jesus.
- Advocating for just laws.
- Sensitizing people on their rights.
- Offering guiding & counseling.
- Advocating for just laws.

Revision questions on creation story.

 Relate the first account of creation in Genesis 1:1-2:49
 Describe the second account of creation in Genesis 2:4b-25.
 State the meaning of the biblical accounts of creation in genesis 1and 2. (KCSE2019)
 Give the similarities between the 1st and 2nd creation accounts in genesis (KCSE2015)
 Outline the differences in the two accounts of creation in Genesis 1 and 2. (KCSE2007)
 Identify eight activities performed by God in the second account of creation (Gen 2:4-25)
 Identify eight creations that God made using the divine command “let there be” Gen 1.
 Outline seven reasons why man is considered as the climax of God’s creation.
 From the Genesis stories of creation, outline seven teachings about human beings(KCSE2009)

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 Give seven provisions given to man by God in Genesis accounts of creation.
 With reference to the creation stories, state eight teachings on the relationship between human beings
and God.
 State seven responsibilities given to human beings by God in the genesis stories of creation
(KCSE2015, 17)
 With reference to the Genesis stories of creation in chapter 1 and 2, outline the attributes of God.
 Explain teachings on the relationship between human beings and the environment in Genesis 1 and
2?
 State seven instructions given to man by God in the creation stories. (Gen 1 &2)
 Outline six ways in which Christians care for God’s creation today.
 Outline teachings about human beings from the Genesis stories of creation. (KCSE2009, 18)
 Give six reasons that Christians learn about work from the Genesis stories of creation.
 State six similarities found in both Biblical and traditional African views on creation. (KCSE2017)
 Why should Christians in Kenya take care of the environment (KCSE2015)
 From the creation stories, identify six ways in which human being is superior to the rest of creation.
 Explain ways through which human beings continue with God’s work of creation today.
 With reference to the creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2, mention eight teachings about marriage.
 Identify eight ways in which people in TAC take care of God ‘s creation. (KCSE2017)
 Give ways in which human beings have interfered with God's work of creation.
 Explain the Biblical teaching on the origin of sin in the world.
 State six causes of sin according to Genesis chapter 3-11.
 With reference to the fall of human being in Genesis 3, state effects of sin (KCSE2007,2019).
 State six ways in which Christians in Kenya help to restore those who have fallen into sin.
(KCSE2018)
 Give seven similarities between the Biblical and African concept of sin and evil. (KCSE2007)
 Identify seven causes of evil in the society today. (KCSE2007)
 State five consequences of evil in the society today.
 How does the church solve the problem of evils in the society?
 Mention seven ways in which wrong doers are punished in the Traditional African society.
 Explain four ways in which God’s love for human beings is manifested after the fall of humankind in
Genesis 3 -11

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 CRE paper two

Content page

Topic 1: Old Testament Prophecies about Coming of Messiah. ……………………………….. 1

Topic 2: Annunciation and Birth of John the Baptist. ……………………………………….. 4

Topic 3: Infancy and Early Life of Jesus Christ ………………………………………….… 9
Topic 4: Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee (Luke 4:14-9:50) ……...…………....……….…. .19
Topic 5: The Sermon on the Plain ………………………………………….…………. …..… 25
Topic 6: Some of the Works and Teachings of Jesus. ……………………………….….….… 27
Topic 7: Jesus and the Twelve Disciples ……………………………………….……….….... 37
Topic 8: The Journey to Jerusalem Ministry ………………………………......………….…. 40
Topic 9: The Kingdom of God………………………………….……………...………...….... 48
Topic 10: Wealth, Poverty, Faith and Prayer.................................................................................... 54
Topic 11: The Jerusalem Ministry…………………………………….…………………...…. 63
Topic 12: The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus…………….…………………….... 69
Topic 13: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit ………………………………………...…. …..….…... 79
Topic 14: The Teaching of the Unity of Believers in Selected New Testament Texts……......... 86
Topic 15: introduction to Christian ethics ………….…………………………………......…… 91
Topic 16: Human sexuality …………………………………………………………...…...… 94
Topic 17: Marriage……………………………………….…………….…………….... ......… 102
Topic 18: The family ………...…………………….……………….…………….…...…....… 108
Topic 19: Christian approaches to work…….…….…………………………………….... ….. 114
Topic 20: Christian approaches to leisure……………………………………………….......... 124
Topic 21: Christian approaches to wealth, money and poverty …...….…….…….…….…...… 130
Topic 22: Christian approaches to law order and justice ……………….……….………....… 138
Topic 23: Christians approaches selected issues related to modern science, technology and
environment
……………………………………………………………...………………………….…...… 146

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Topic 1: OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES ABOUT COMING OF
MESSIAH.
A prophecy refers to a prediction of what will happen in the future.
1. Nathan’s prophecy to King David about the Messiah (2Samuel 7:5-17).
- He will be a descendant of King David.
- He will establish an everlasting kingdom.
- He will rule over Israel forever.
- He will deliver Israel from her political enemies.
- He will always be supported by God/ God would not withdraw his love from him.
- He will be a great king whose kingdom will be kept strong.
- He will be the son of God and God shall be his father.

2. Isaiah’s prophecy about the messiah. (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; 52:2-12; 53; 61:1-2)
- The Messiah would be born of a virgin/young woman.
- He would be called Immanuel.
- He would be a wonderful counselor/might God/everlasting father/prince of peace.
- The Messiah would have an everlasting kingdom.
- He would be a ruler from the house of David.
- He would rule with justice/righteousness/peace.
- He would be humble/simple/ordinary/without beauty (nothing attractive).
- The Messiah would be rejected/despised/sentenced to die.
- He would suffer for the forgiveness of the sins of many people.
- It would be the will of his father for him to suffer.
- He would succeed in his work/be highly honoured.
- He would be filled with God’s spirit/anointed.
- He would preach goods news/set the captives free.

Characteristics of messiah according to Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:1-2)

- He had the spirit of God.
- He had been anointed by God.
- He had been sent to preach the good news to the poor.
- Has been sent to bind the brokenhearted.
- He had been sent to bring liberty or freedom to the captives.
- He would bore the sin of human kind.
- He would proclaim the year of the favour from God.
- He would be simple and humble.

Titles given to the Messiah by prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6).

- Wonderful counselor. - Mighty God.
- Everlasting/ eternal father. - Prince of peace.
- Immanuel.

Isaiah’s prophecy about the suffering servant of Yahweh according to Isaiah 53.
- The servant will succeed in His work and will be highly honoured.
- His success/ honour will surprise many who witnessed His suffering.
- He will be an ordinary and simple person without anything attractive.
- He will be harshly treated, arrested/ wounded/ a man of sorrow.
- He will be sentenced to death and finally killed.
- He will be despised, rejected and ignored by those with him.
- He will endure all that is done to him in humble silence.
- He will be buried in a rich man’s tomb/ His grave will be made with the wicked.
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 - Through his suffering, human beings will be reconciled with God
- His death will bring forgiveness of sins.
- It will be the will of God for Him to suffer.
- Through His suffering human beings will be healed/ made whole.

How Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah as the suffering servant?

- He bore the sins of humankind.
- He delivered the humanity by dying on the cross.
- He submissively bore suffering and disgrace.
- He was despised and rejected.
- He was mocked and spat on.
- He was pierced and wounded in the sides.
- He was crucified with the thieves.
- He was buried in a rich man’s tomb.
- Through him God’s everlasting kingdom was established.
- He was innocent of sin and yet treated like a criminal.
- Through Jesus many have been forgiven their sins as Isaiah put it ‘with his stripes we are
healed’ Isaiah 53:5

3. Jeremiah’s prophesies about the Messiah. (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

- He will be a righteous branch of David.
- He will reign as king.
- He will rule wisely.
- He will execute justice and righteousness.
- In His days, Judah will be saved.
- He will be called “The Lord is our righteousness”.
- During His time Israel will be secure.

Characteristics of the Messiah as prophesied by Jeremiah.

- He would be righteous and honest.
- He would do what is just and right.
- He would reign as a king/He would rule on behalf of God.
- He would bring salvation upon Judah.
- He would provide security/safety in Israel.
- There would be no sorrow, injustice/fear in his kingdom.
- He would be called ‘The Lord our righteous.

4. Micah’s Prophecy about the messiah. (Micah 5:2-6)

- The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.
- He will rule over Israel.
- His origin is from the old/ancient days.
- He will be born of a woman.
- He will feed his flock.
- He will rule in the majesty/power of God.
- In his time, Israel will be secure.
- He shall be great to the ends of the earth.

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Specific Old Testament teachings about the messiah.
- The messiah will be the direct descendant of king David according to Nathan/Prophet
Jeremiah
- He will be in Zion/Jerusalem according to Jeremiah
- He will be a shepherd of the remnant that God will gather after the exile according to
Jeremiah
- He will rule in justice/ righteousness according to Jeremiah
- He will be a king who will rule forever according to Nathan
- He will be born in the town of king David / Bethlehem according to Micah
- He will suffer for people’s redemption/despised/rejected/wounded/oppressed/afflicted by
Isaiah
- God’s spirit will be upon him in a special way according to Isaiah
- He will be the son of man according to Micah
- He will be a humble servant of God according to Isaiah
- He will be called Emmanuel//prince of peace/wonderful counselor/mighty God/everlasting
father – Isaiah
- His kingdom will be that of peace, prosperity, justice according to Isaiah
- He will be born of a young woman/ virgin according to Isaiah
- He would bring salvation to the whole world according to Isaiah.
- He will be the son of God according to psalmists
- He will be a royal king from birth according to psalmists
- Will be betrayed by a close friend according to psalmists

Ways on how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies in his life and ministry in the New
Testament
- Nathan, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah prophesied that he Messiah would be born in the
lineage of David is confirmed when Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary who was engaged to
Joseph who is from David’s lineage.
- Jesus addressed God as father just as prophesied by Nathan that God would be the father
of David’s sons.
- Jesus promoted peace as is seen during triumphal entry into Jerusalem as prophesied by
Nathan of establishing peace in Israel.
- Jesus establishment of the kingdom of God was fulfillment of Nathan prophecy that God
will give Israel land to dwell in.
- Sending of the holy spirit upon Jesus and his disciples was the fulfillment of Nathan
prophecy to keep messiah’s kingdom strong.
- Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin conception is fulfilled through Mary giving birth to Jesus
through the power of Holy Spirit.
- Jesus being called Immanuel by Angel Gabriel is fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
- Jesus is born in Bethlehem fulfilling Micah’s prophecy of ruler whom God would raise up
from the town of Bethlehem.
- Isaiah’s prophecy of a Messiah who would bring salvation to the whole world is echoed by
Simeon during Jesus’ dedication.
- Isaiah’s prophecy of about the Messiah who would work miracles is fulfilled when Jesus
changed water into wine, raised the dead and cast out demons.
- Jesus taught in the synagogue in Nazareth from Isaiah’s book to affirm He was the Messiah
that Isaiah talked about. (Isaiah 61:1-2)
- Jesus was betrayed by one of His disciples as prophesied by the psalmist.
- John the Baptist prepared the way for Him as had been foretold.

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Expectations of the Jews about the Messiah.
- He would come from the lineage of David.
- He would be a political leader/ messiah.
- He would establish the kingdom by conquering the enemies of Israel
- His establishment of the kingdom would be preceded by cosmic signs.
- He would rule the whole world.
- He would perform miracles.
- He will appear after the return of Elijah.
- He would make Judaism a superior religion.
- He would convert Jerusalem to be a political centre.
- He would not associate with poor/ sinners.

Topic 1: revision questions on Old Testament Prophecies about Coming of Messiah

 State Jeremiah’s prophesies about the Messiah. Jeremiah 23:5-6. (kcse2015)
 Outline Nathan’s prophecy to King David about the Messiah (2Samuel 7:5-17).
 Outline Nathan’s prophecy concerning the coming of the messiah.
 State five titles given to the Messiah by prophet Isaiah. (kcse2019)
 State Isaiah’s prophecies about the messiah (kcse2009,14)
 Explain four ways in which Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah on the suffering servant.
 Outline the occasions when Jesus was identified as the son of God.
 Outline Micah’s prophecies about the messiah. (kcse2012,2018)
 Show how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
 Outline Jeremiah’s prophecies about messiah in Jeremiah 23: 5-6.
 Explain four ways Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Prophet Nathan about the Messiah.
 Explain the Jewish expectations concerning the Messiah. (kcse2017)

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Topic 2: Annunciation and birth of John the Baptist.
Background to the annunciation of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:5-10)
- It was during the reign of king Herod.
- His father was Zachariah son of Abijah and his mother was Elizabeth daughter of Aaron.
- Both of them were righteous before God and walked in commandment and ordinances of
the lord blamelessly.
- They had no child because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in age.
- Zachariah was a priest of God in the temple.
- The angel appeared to him the day he was allotted to go and burn incense on the lord’s
temple.

Lessons that Christians learn from the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth
- Christians should be righteous / upright / blameless before God.
- They should obey God's commandments.
- They should persevere / be patient in their life.
- They should be prayerful.
- They should depend on God / ask God for their needs
- They should have faith in God/ believe in God’s word.
- They should thank God for His blessings.
- They should praise and worship the Lord/ be thankful/ grateful.
- They learn that doubting God’s word can lead to punishment.
- They should serve God irrespective of their circumstances.
- They should desire to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Annunciation of the birth of the John the Baptist in Luke 1:13-23.

- Angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah as he was performing his priestly duty in the temple.
- He stood at the right side of the altar.
- Zachariah was troubled and filled with fear when he saw the Angel.
- The angel told him not to be afraid for his prayers had been heard.
- The Angel said to him that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would be called John.
- The Angel said that the child would be source of joy and gladness/great before in God’s
sight/ would not drink wine/ would be filled of the Holy spirit from birth.
- Zachariah doubted the message saying him and Elizabeth were advanced in age.
- Angel revealed his identity as Gabriel who had been sent by God.
- The angel told Zechariah that he would not be able to speak until the time the child is born.
- Zechariah delayed in the temple which made the worshippers to wonder.
- When he came out he could not speak/he made signs to the people/people perceived that
he had seen a vision in the temple.

Angel Gabriel message about John the Baptist to Zechariah in Luke 1:13-17.
- John the Baptist was to be a son.
- His name was to be John.
- He would bring joy/ gladness to his parents/ many will rejoice at his birth.
- He will be great before God.
- He was to drink no wine/strong drink
- He was to be filled with the Holy spirit from his mother’s womb.
- He would turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
- He was to go before the Lord in the spirit/power of Elijah.
- He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children/ the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.
- He was to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

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Lessons Christians learn from the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist.
- Christians learn that children are gift from God.
- They should be persistent in prayer.
- They should have faith/trust in God.
- They learn that doubting God’s message can lead to punishment.
- Christians should serve God regardless of the circumstances they are in.
- Christians should be patient.
- Christians learns that God has a purpose for their lives.

Ways in which Christian couples should respond to the challenges of being childless.
- They should pray to God to bless them with children.
- They should seek guidance and counselling from the church leaders.
- They should seek for medical assistance.
- They should be patient and not anxious.
- They should remain faithful to each other.
- They can adopt a child.
- They can take care of their relative children for company.

The Birth of John the Baptist according to Luke 1:57-79.

- When the time of Elizabeth to deliver came, she gave birth to a son.
- Her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they
rejoiced with her.
- On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and they wanted to name him
Zechariah after his father but his mother said “Not so; he shall be called John”
- They said to her that none of their kindred was called by that name.
- They made signs to his father inquiring what he would have him called.
- He (Zachariah) asked for a writing tablet and wrote his name is John,” And they all
marveled.
- Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he spoke, blessing God.
- Fear came on all his neighbours and all these things were talked about through all the hill
country of Judea.
- The child grew and became strong in spirit and he was in the wilderness till the day of his
manifestation

Outline activities that took place following the birth of John the Baptist
- Neighbours and kinfolks gathered at Zachariah’s home rejoicing over the birth of the child.
- On the 8th day the child was circumcised according to Jewish custom.
- There was an argument over the name to be given to the child as kinfolks wanted him to
be called after his father Zachariah while his mother John.
- They made signs to his father to enquire what he would call him.
- Zechariah asked for a tablet to write and he wrote the name John.
- All the people around marveled.
- Immediately his mouth opened, his tongue became loose and he spoke blessing god.
- All who heard him were filled with fear and they went spreading what they had seen
- Zechariah filled with the Holy Spirit sang a Benedictus in praise of God.

The message of Zachariah in the Benedicts Luke 1: 67 - 79.

- He praised the lord of Israel for visiting his people to give salvation.
- He said that God had raised a savior from the house of David as prophesized through the
prophets of old.

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 - God would save his people from their enemies & those who hate them.
- God would have mercy to their fathers according to holy covenant with Abraham.
- Those who will be delivered from enemies will serve God without fear, in holiness and
righteousness.
- The child John would be called the prophet of the most high.
- He would prepare the people for the coming of the messiah.
- He would give his people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
- God would give light to those who sit in the darkness/shadow of death/guide their feet
into the way of peace.

Prophecies of Zechariah about his son John in the Benedictus

- He would be a prophet of God.
- He would prepare the way for the Messiah.
- He would give people knowledge about salvation.
- He would call human beings to repentance of sin.
- would give light to the world/ those in darkness.
- He would give human beings peace.

Teachings about God from the Benedictus.

- God is almighty. - God fulfils the promises he made to his people.
- God is Holy. - God is the redeemer because He saves His people from sin.
- God is a savior. - God is faithful to His covenant.
- God is merciful. - God cares about His people.

Ways in which the church in Kenya assist families to cope with challenges facing them.
- Organizing seminars/ workshops for different groups of the family.
- Offering guidance and counselling.
- Paying visit to families/ fellowship with them.
- Producing/ disseminating literature on proper Christian living.
- Preaching/ teaching on the importance of the helping the needy families.
- Giving financial/ material support to the needy families.
- Praying for the families.
- Providing vocational training.
- Offering employment to jobless people.
- Condemning vices which threaten families.
- Establishing rehabilitation centres/ homes for the destitute.

Ways on how Zechariah’s hope for John the Baptist was fulfilled.
- John was born and he brought joy to the family that was previously saddened by the state
of childlessness.
- John grew and become a great prophet.
- John was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- John reconciled sinners with God by preached repentance.
- John taught people about the judgment of God.
- John witnessed to the light.
- John went ahead of the Lord and also introduced Jesus to the people.

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Teachings of John the Baptist as per Luke 3: 7- 20.
- He told the people to repent and be baptized for forgiveness of their sins/he asked people
to prepare the way for the Lord.
- He told them to be faithful/obedient to God and not to pride in Abraham as their ancestor.
- He warned them of God’s punishment on sin.
- He encouraged the rich to share with the needy.
- He told the tax collectors not to steal/be honest.
- He told the soldiers to be contented with their wages/stop greed.
- He told the soldiers to stop robbing/accusing people falsely/should be truthful.
- He told them that the messiah who was to come after him was mightier/He was unworthy
to untie his sandals.
- The Messiah would baptize the people with fire and the Holy Spirit.
- The Messiah would separate the good from the evil/the evil would be punished.
- He condemned Herod for his adulterous life/marrying his brother’s wife.

The people /group and message given to them by John the Baptist as he prepared them for the
coming of the messiah in luke 3:7-20.
- Jews –John urged them to repent and live according to God’s law. He warned them of
coming judgment and informed them that the Messiah will baptize them with fire and
Holy Spirit.
- The Rich /Multitude-They were encouraged to share with the poor.
- Soldiers-John told them not to rob or terrorize anyone and not to accuse anyone falsely.
- Herod -John rebuked him for his immoral behaviour.

The Teachings of John the Baptist about Jesus Christ.

- Jesus is great/ famous/ greater than John.
- Jesus will bring God’s Salvation/ saviour/ save humanity from sin.
- He will proclaim judgment.
- He will punish sinners and reward he righteous/ believers/ give eternal life to those who
believe in him.
- Jesus is the Messiah/ Christ/ God’s anointed.
- Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world/ Jesus will die for the sin of
humanity/ save humanity from sin.
- Jesus will lead the new community of believers (Bridegroom).
- Jesus was sent by God / He is from God/ God’s messenger/ son of God.
- Jesus is loved by God / God has given Jesus everything/ believed of God.
- Jesus will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Role played by John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Messiah
- He advised people to live Holy lives by doing what was right.
- He preached repentance of sin in order to be baptized.
- He baptized those who repented.
- He encouraged the rich to share with the poor/preached on social justice.
- He introduced Jesus to his disciples and even handled some to Him.
- He advised people to lead honest lives e.g. the tax collectors were not to collect what was illegal.
- He baptized Jesus in River Jordan to prepare him for His ministry.
- He foretold of the coming Messiah who is greater than him.
- He introduced Jesus to the people as the Messiah.
- He warned the people of God’s judgment to be effected by the Messiah.
- He made it clear to people that Jesus had come to start a new era of God’s kingdom.

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Ways which John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah.
- Was a forerunner of Christ/prepared the way for the coming of the messiah.
- Baptized Jesus in river Jordan
- Witnessed that Jesus was the messiah/lamb of God/son of God / the introduced Jesus to the
crowd.
- Introduced Jesus to his disciples.
- Two of his disciples became Jesus disciples
- Preached repentance and forgiveness of sins/baptized those who repented.
- Warned people of God’s coming judgment.
- He acknowledged Jesus’ greatness /ascendancy over him.
- Advised people to live Holy lives/do what is right /share with other.

Lessons Christians learn from the life and activities of John the Baptist.
- They should repent their sins.
- They should practice social justices/ they should be honest and fair.
- They should endure persecution, suffering and live simple life of self-denial.
- They should share with others/ help the needy.
- They should avoid practicing corruption, immorality and hypocrisy.
- They learn that those who practice evil shall be punished.
- They should have total change of heart, when they repent inorder to live a holy life.
- Christians in the position of authority like judges and soldiers are warned against taking
bribes and accusing people falsely.
- They should be bold in condemning evils in the society.

Ways in which Christians play the role of John the Baptist today.
- They call people to repentance.
- They baptize the converts.
- They condemn the evils of their day.
- They remind people to prepare for the second coming of Christ.
- They advise the political leaders of their day.
- They announce the coming of divine judgment.
- They give practical moral advice on sharing and honesty.
- They preach Christ as the promised Messiah.
- They call upon the rich to share with the poor.
- They condemn oppression of the poor.
- They condemn sexual immorality.
- They call upon Christians to be honest and sincere in their dealings.

Reasons why Christians find it difficult to apply the teachings of John the Baptist in their lives.
- They lack faith in God’s word.
- Divisions along tribal, racial and denominational lines that affect unity among Christians.
- Clinging to the past making them unable to abandon the old lifestyle.
- Negative attitude by the rich towards the needy/ poor.
- Moral decadence or permissiveness in society.
- Poverty where some Christians lack what to share with the poor.
- Rampant corruption in society.
- Emergence of cults or false prophets who lead people astray.
- Some Christians lead hypocritical life.
- Peer pressure.

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Ways in which the church prepares people to serve God.
- Baptizing the new converts.
- Encouraging them to read the Bible through organizing bible studies.
- Teaching the new converts Christians doctrines.
- Organizing seminars to empower people to devote themselves in work of God.
- Sending those willing to theological colleges to train as pastors and priests.
- Having continuous religious training in spiritual and social matters.
- Organizing prayer retreats to encourage people to pray.

Ways in which church leaders are preparing people to receive salvation.

- Teaching them the word of God/ preaching to them/ evangelize to them.
- Calling them to repentance.
- Baptizing those who have believed the gospel.
- Setting a good example/ being role model for them to follow.
- Praying for them/ with them.
- Helping the needy in society by donating food, clothes etc.
- Giving Guiding and counseling to them.
- Inviting them to church/ home fellowships.
- Organize crusades/ conferences/seminars to teach them more about God.

Topic 2: revision questions on Annunciation and Birth of John the Baptist.

 What lessons do Christians learn from the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth? (kcse2011)
 State seven ways in which a Christian couple should respond to the challenge of being childless.
(kcse2019)
 Describe the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist (kcse2013,19)
 Outline what the angel Gabriel revealed about john the Baptist when he announced his birth to
Zachariah (kcse2007,12)
 What do Christian learn about the person and mission of John the Baptist from the message of angel
Gabriel to Zachariah (kcse2013)
 Describe angle Gabriel visit to Zachariah according to Luke 1:8-23
State seven similarities in the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and that of Jesus Christ.
(kcse2017)
 Identify six lessons Christians learn from the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist. (kcse2017)
 Describe the birth of John the Baptist according to Luke 1:57-79.
 Identify the events that took place after the birth of John the Baptist.
 Outline Zacharias message in the Benedicts Luke 1:67 - 79
 Outline six prophecies of Zechariah about his son John in the Benedictus.
 How did John the Baptist fulfill the prophecies of Zachariah as found in the Benedictus.
 Explain the teachings of John the Baptist. (kcse2008)
 Identify the people /group and message given to them by John the Baptist as he prepared them for
the coming of the messiah.
 State eight Ways in which the church in Kenya assist families to cope with challenges facing
them(kcse2013)
 How did John the Baptist prepare the way for the Messiah?
 State the teaching of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. (kcse2017)
 Explain the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Messiah
 What lessons can Christians learn from the life and activities of John the Baptist?
 Give six reasons why Christians find it difficult to apply the teachings of John the Baptist in their
lives(kcse2008).
 Give the similarities between the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus.
 State six ways in which Christians continue with the mission of John the Baptist

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Topic 3: INFANCY AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Annunciation
Annunciation of the birth of Jesus by Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1: 26 – 38.
- Angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin named Mary from Nazareth in Galilee
- She was betrothed to a man called Joseph of the house of David.
- Angel Gabriel came to her and greeted her – “Hail, O favoured one the Lord is with you”
- Mary was disturbed and she wondered what kind of greetings it was.
- The Angel told her not to be afraid for God had found favour with her
- He also told her, she would conceive and bear a son, and he would call him Jesus
- He then said the child would be great/ called the son of the most High/ the Lord God will
give Him the throne of his father David/ would reign the house of David forever/ his
kingdom will have no end.
- Mary asked how this could happen and yet she had no husband.
- Angel Gabriel replied the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the most
High would over shadow her and the child to be born will be called holy, the son of God.
- The angel also told her that her cousin Elizabeth was six months pregnant.
- Mary replied behold she is a handmaid of the Lord; it should be to her according the
angels word.
- The angel departed from her.

Incident where Mary visited Elizabeth Luke 1:39-45

- After the visit of the angel Gabriel Mary arose and went to visit Elizabeth in the city of
Judah.
- She entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth.
- When Elizabeth heard her greetings the baby in her womb leaped with joy and she was
filled with the Holy Spirit.
- She exclaimed to Mary that blessed is she among the women and blessed is the fruit of her
womb.
- She wondered how comes the mother of the lord had visited her.
- Elizabeth informed Mary that the baby in her womb had leaped with joy in her greetings.
- She felt favoured being visited by Mary and seeing the fulfillment of what was spoken to
her by the Lord
- Mary in great joy sang a magnificat song to praise God.

What took place when Mary visited Elizabeth.

- She entered Zechariah's home.
- She greeted Elizabeth.
- When Elizabeth heard Mary's greetings the baby in her womb leaped.
- Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry.
- She blessed Mary and child in the womb.
- Elizabeth wondered why Mary the mother of her Lord has visited her.
- 'Elizabeth informed Mary that the baby in her womb had leaped for joy in her greetings.
- Mary responded by praising God.
- Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months.

Message in Mary’s song of praise(magnificat).

- She magnifies the lord for He has regarded her low status.
- She blesses God for making her be called blessed by all generation.
- She acknowledges God for He had done great things for her.

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 - She says God has shown his mercy to those who fear him from generation to generation.
- He has shown them strength of his hand.
- He has scattered the proud in their imagination of their heart.
- He has pulled the mighty from their thrones.
- He has exalted those of low status, filled the hungry with good things and has sent the
empty away.
- He has helped his servant Israel by showing him mercy according promises he made to
Abraham.

What the Magnificat reveals about the nature of God.

- God is a saviour because he remembers the lowly.
- God is mighty for he scatters the proud/does great things.
- God is holy/holy is his name.
- God is merciful to those who fear him from generation to generation.
- God is caring/protecting because he exalts the humble.
- He is a provider/sustainer because he fills the hungry.
- He is faithful because he keeps his promises.
- He is kind/helper to his servant Israel.

Lessons Christians learn from the magnificat.

- Christians should always thank God.
- They should obey the will of God.
- They should have faith in God and His promises.
- They should depend on God for provision.
- They should rejoice when they are blessed by God.
- They should humble for God to exalt them.

Reasons why Christians sing in church today.

- It is an opportunity to praise / adore God.
- Christians pass messages / pray through singing.
- Singing removes tension / makes worshippers relax.
- Singing creates an atmosphere of worship.
- Singing removes boredom because of the varied activities during the service.
- God given talents are portrayed / enhanced during singing.
- Non-members are attracted to the church through singing.
- Those who feel depressed are encouraged through singing.
- Singing unites or brings worshippers together as they all join in a chorus / song in
harmony.
Ways Christians express their gratitude to God.
- By building places of worship. - By caring for the environment
- By praying to God. - By visiting the sick.
- By spreading the word of God. - Promoting peace in the society.
- By giving offering and tithes. - By shunning evil.

Message of Angel Gabriel to Mary according to Luke 1:26-38

- She was highly favoured among women.
- She will give bring forth a son who will be named Jesus.
- The son will be great and called son of the Most high.
- The lord will give him the throne of his father David.
- The kingdom would never end be everlasting.

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 - He would reign over the house of Jacob forever.
- The holy spirit would come upon her.
- The child to be born would be Holy.
- Her cousin Elizabeth had also conceived in her old age.
- With God, nothing will be impossible.

Message of Angel Gabriel to Mary about Jesus in Luke 1:26-38.

- His name would be called Jesus.
- Jesus was to be great.
- Jesus will be the son of God.
- Jesus was to rule over the house of Jacob.
- Jesus was to be given the throne of David.
- Jesus would have an everlasting kingdom.
- He was to be conceived through the power of the Holy spirit.
- He would be a holy child.

Ways in which the birth of Jesus was an extraordinary event.

- His birth was announced by the angel.
- He was given name before the birth.
- He was born of a virgin woman.
- His name was given before His birth.
- He was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- When He was born, an Angel appeared to the shepherd to announce his birth/ a multitude
of angels sang songs of praise.
- He was to be called Holy.
- He was called the son of the most High God.
- He would have an everlasting Kingdom

Similarities between the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
- In both the message was brought by angel Gabriel to Mary and Zachariah.
- In both Zechariah and Mary were afraid when the angel appeared.
- In both the Names were given by the Angel before they were born.
- In both their missions were specified by the Angel.
- In both the birth of the children would be through divine intervention/ extraordinary.
- In both the children gender was known before marriage/ they would be male.
- In both the children were to be God’s servants.
- In both incidents the possibility of the message was doubted.
- In both, signs were given to confirm the message.
- In both the angel told Zachariah and Mary not to be afraid.

2. The birth of Jesus in luke2:1-7.

- It took place during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.
- Mary and Joseph had travelled to Bethlehem the birth place of Joseph where the census
ordered by the emperor was taking place.
- While in Bethlehem time to deriver came. The only available place was on a manger for all
rooms were booked.
- She gave birth to her 1st born son.
- She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.
- After the birth the Angel of the lord appeared to the shepherds who lived in the East.
- He informed them of the born savior and went on giving them a sign how they would find
him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying on a manger.
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 - Then on heaven there appeared a group of other Angels singing praises to God.
- When the Angel left to heaven the shepherd said to one another “let us go to Bethlehem
and see these things that had happened and had be made know to us”.
- They then went in haste where they found Jesus parents and the child laid in the manger.
- They greatly rejoiced and proclaimed what had been spoken to them by the Angel that
amazed those who heard them.
- They returned home glorifying God for all they had heard and seen as it had been said to
them.

Outline the events that happened on the night that Jesus was born(lk2:1-20)
- Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be enrolled.
- The time for Mary to deriver came and she delivered a son.
- She wrapped the child in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger for there was no
room for them in the inn.
- An Angel appeared to the shepherd s who were out at night keeping watch over their
flocks.
- The glory of God shown around them and they were filled with fear.
- He told them the good news of the born savior in the David’s city.
- He also gave them the sign of finding the child which would be wrapped with swaddling
clothes and lying in a manger.
- A multitude of Angels appeared in heaven sing praises to God.
- The shepherd left for Bethlehem to go and see the things they had been told.
- They found the child as they had been told by the Angel.
- They returned home glorifying and praising God.

The visit of the angel of the Lord to the Shepherds on the night Jesus was born in luke2:8-20.
- The shepherds were looking after their flock in the field at night.
- The Angel appeared to them and glory of the Lord shone around them.
- They were filled with fear.
- The angel reassured them/told them not to fear. He told them of the good news of the birth
of Jesus.
- They were told where to find baby Jesus/angel gave them a sign on how they would find
Jesus.
- There appeared a host of Angels singing/praising God.
- The angels left them/went back to heaven.
- The Shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see the thing that happened as they were told.

Lessons Christians learn from the response of the shepherds to the birth of Jesus.
- Christians should respond to God's call in obedience.
- Christians should believe in God’s message and respond immediately.
- Christians are called by God regardless of their status in society.
- Christians should be grateful to God for revealing Himself to them.
- Christians should be quick to recognize God’s message/messages.
- Christians should praise/glorify God.
- Christians should share their experience with others.

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Virtues Christians acquire when celebrating the birth of Jesus
- Joy/ happiness. - Compassion/mercy.
- Sharing/ generosity/ kindness. - Gratitude/ thankfulness.
- Holiness/ purity/ righteousness. - Love.
- Respect. - Peace
- Humility. - Unity/ cooperation.

Reasons why Christians present gifts to newly born babies.

- In order to welcome the baby into the family/ world.
- It is a sign of love/ contribution to the baby’s welfare.
- A way of appreciating the gift of life/ blessing.
- A way of thanking God/ appreciating his goodness.
- It is a form of congratulating the mother/ parent.
- It is an expression of their joy.
- It is a way of emulating biblical practices of appreciation.

Ways in which Christians in Kenya express their joy for the birth of Jesus.
- They sing/ listen to Christian music. - They attend Christmas worship/ service/ mass.
- They visit temple/ friends/ relatives. - They partake of the holy communion/ Eucharist.
- They buy/ wear new clothes. - They exchange gifts/ cards/ message of good hope.
- They rest from normal duties. - They decorate their homes/ churches.
- They prepare special dishes/ drinks - They watch movies/ films on the birth of Jesus.
- They read Christmas stories. - They repent/ re-dedicate themselves to God.

Evidence from early life of Jesus to show that he came from a poor family.
- He was born in a manger/ cattle shed.
- His father was a carpenter.
- He was born in a small town of Judah/ Bethlehem.
- At his birth, Jesus was visited by poor shepherds.
- His parents offered a pair of turtle doves or pigeons during his presentation at the temple.
- He was wrapped in swaddling clothes after birth.
- Brought up in a village town of Nazareth instead of big city like Jerusalem.
- His mother Mary was an ordinary village girl.
- He was revealed to Simeon and Anna who were simple.

3. Dedication of Jesus in the temple.

Activities that took place during the dedication of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:21-41)
- Jesus was taken to Jerusalem to be represented to the Lord by his parents.
- Simeon took Jesus up in arms/blessed the Lord.
- Simeon said that he was ready to die for he had seen God’s salvation/a light for revelation
to the gentles/the glory to the Israelites.
- Simeon blessed the parents of Jesus.
- Simeon told Mary, Jesus’ Mother, that the child was set for the fall and rising of many in
Israel.
- Anna gave thanks/prayed/spoke of Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of
Jerusalem.
- The parents of Jesus performed everything according to the law of the Lord/offered a pair
of turtle doves/pigeons.
- Parents of Jesus returned home.

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Revelations about Jesus made by Simeon and Anna during the dedication of Jesus in the temple.
Luke 2:21 – 40.
- He is the saviour of the world. - He would bring glory to Israel.
- He would be light for the revelation of - He would bring judgment to the Israel.
Gentiles. - He would reveal secret thoughts of
- He would liberate the Israelites from people.
oppression. - He would be the source of redemption
- He would cause the rise and fall of for Jerusalem.
many in Israel.
- Many will glorify and praise God.

Lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was dedicated.
- Christians should be righteous before God in order to experience Him in their lives.
- Christians should thank God for blessing them.
- Christians should trust / have faith in God.
- Christians should reach out to all people/ preaching salvation to people.
- Christians should show compassion to the needy in the society.
- Christians should be devoted in their worship to God regardless of the challenges they
face.
- Christians should dedicate their children to God / fulfill the church obligations.

The Mission and Ministry of Jesus as revealed during His presentation and dedication in the
temple. His mission and ministry would be: -
- Universal. - Reveal God to human beings.
- To bring salvation to Israel. - Would cause divisions among people
- To be light for revelation to the of Israel.
Gentiles. - Would bring glory and praise to God.
- Ministry of suffering for the sake of - Would restore Jerusalem back to its
humankind. glory.

Reasons why children should be dedicated to God.

- In order to be blessed by God.
- To be full members of a church.
- To give parents responsibility to train them in God’s word / ways.
- To grow in the knowledge of God.
- To feel accepted and part of the church as they grow.
- To receive the Holy Spirit to guide them in their lives.
- To appreciate God and thank Him for the gift of children.
- To prevent oppressions by the devil through sickness, accidents etc.

Reasons why children should be introduced to the worship of God at an early age.
- To create in them an awareness of God.
- To learn the true teachings of their church.
- To learn to trust / obey God / give themselves to God.
- To enable them become members of the church.
- To emulate the example of Jesus.
- To learn on church doctrines / teachings of their church.
- To familiarize themselves with religious practices of their church.
- To give a sense of belonging to the church community.

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4. Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:41-52.
- Jesus visited the temple at the age of 12years for a Passover feast.
- After the feast ended His parents left Him in the temple unknowingly.
- After discovering so they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him which took them three
days.
- They found him listening to the teachers of law and asking question an act that astonished
many at his intelligence.
- Due to being astonished his parents asked him of his act that caused them anxiety.
- Jesus wondered why they were looking for him for he was to be in his father’s house.
- They didn’t understand what he meant and they went with him to Nazareth.
- Jesus grew both in wisdom and stature and gained favour with God and men.

Qualities shown by Jesus when he accompanied his parent to the temple at the age of 12 years.
- He was obedient. - He was courageous.
- He was respectful. - He was knowledgeable/ intelligent/ wise.
- He was cooperative - He was patient
- He was honest. - He was assertive/ independent.
- He was social/ outgoing. - He was inquisitive

Lessons Christians learn about family relationships from the incident when Jesus accompanied
his parents in the temple at the age of twelve.
- Children should obey their parents.
- Parents should teach their children about God.
- Parents should provide opportunities for their children to mix with others.
- Parents should love and be concerned with their children.
- Families should live in unity.
- God’s work takes priority over the family.
- Parents should recognize their children’s ability.
- There should be open communication among family members.

Lessons Christians learn from the incident where the Boy Jesus was left behind by his parent in
the Temple.
- Christians should involve their children in prayer / worship of God.
- Christians should give clear instruction to their children in the day to day affairs.
- Christians should accommodate the views of the youth.
- Christians learn that Jesus was the Son of God.
- Christians should exercise tolerance and forgiveness.
- Christians should give God first priority in their lives.
- Children should be taught the word of God / the Bible.
- There should be communication among family members.
- The family members should inform one another of their whereabouts.
- Children should obey their parents.
- Parents should love their children.

Reasons why children should take part in church activities.

- They are made in the image of God.
- To follow the example of Christ who went to synagogue.
- To prepare them for the future roles of the leaders.
- To teach them religious beliefs/ practices.
- To lay foundation for Christian morals at an early age.

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 - Jesus taught that the kingdom of God belongs to them.
- For the continuous growth of the church.
- To develop/ improve their talents.
- To give them an opportunity to socialize with others.
- To help them spend their leisure.

Evidences that show Jesus fully observed the religious practice of his people.
- He was circumcised on the 8th day.
- He was named at the 8th day.
- Jesus mother underwent purification after the birth of Jesus as required by the law. (lev
12:6)
- Jesus was presented in the temple (dedicated to God as the first born of his parents as
required by the law (Exodus 31:1)
- Jesus lived in Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them.
- After healing of ten lepers, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest/offer
sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. (Lev 13;14)
- Jesus celebrated the Jewish religious festivals e.g. Passover, attended the synagogue on
festivals and Observed the Sabbath.
- Jesus appointed the twelve disciples to represent the twelve (12) tribes of Israel.
- Jesus kept the Jewish religious observance such as fasting/prayers.
- Jesus wore the prescribed fringes on His garments. Deut 22:12.

5. The baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:21-22.

- Jesus went to be baptised by John the Baptist on the river Jordan at the age of 30 years.
- After all people were baptised.
- Jesus was also baptised.
- Jesus then started praying.
- As he was praying the heaven opened.
- The Holy Spirit descended on him from heaven in bodily form of a dove.
- A voice came from heaven saying this is my beloved son with whom am pleased.
- After that he was drove into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil.

Reasons why Jesus was baptised though sinless.

- To identify himself with sinners. - To be identified by John.
- To be introduced to the crowd as the messiah. - To fulfill all righteousness.
- It symbolized his death and resurrection. - To show the act of humility.
- To show that he was ready to start his work.
- To acknowledge the work of John the Baptist as his forerunner.

Lessons Christian learn about Jesus during his baptism.

- Jesus was prayerful.
- Jesus was obedience and loyal to God.
- Jesus has a human nature.
- Jesus was humble.
- He was the son of God/ divine confirmed by the voice from heaven.
- He was loved by God/ pleased God.
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit.

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Reasons why Christians undergoes baptism
- It enables them to become children of God.
- Enables one to became a member of Christian community.
- Enables one to receive the power of the holy spirit.
- Enable them to identify themselves with Christ.
- It symbolises that one has died and resurrected with Christ/ leaves the old sinful life.
- Through baptism one receives complete forgiveness of sin.
- It prepares Christians for the kingdom of God.
- It unites Christians as members of the body of Christ which is the church.
- It symbolizes obedience to Jesus’ teachings.
- It’s an act as an outward sign of their inner faith as it is done publicly.
- It is a sign of new covenant with God.

How the baptism is the cause of disunity in the church today.

- Different ways/ forms of baptism.
- Child baptism vs grownups.
- Use of traditional names vs western names in baptism.
- Dipping in water vs pouring of water over the person.
- Baptising using the holy spirit.
- Anointing using the oil.
- Using water from river Jordan vs using water from other sources.

6. The temptation of Jesus in Luke 4:1-13.

It came between his baptism and the beginning of his public ministry
They were to test His obedience to God’s chosen way of effecting salvation for human kind
through suffering on the cross.
Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1 – 13).
- Jesus full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan and was led for forty days in the
wilderness by the spirit where he was tempted by the devil.
- He ate nothing for those days and when they ended he was very hungry.
- The devil came and told Him to turn stone into bread if He was the Son of God.
- He answered that man cannot live by bread alone. (Deut 8:3)
- The devil took Jesus to a high mountain where he showed him all the kingdom of the
world of which he promised to give Him (Jesus) if he bows and worship him (devil)
- Jesus refused by telling him its written one shall worship the Lord his God and only Him
He shall serve. (Deut6:13)
- The devil took Jesus to the roof of the temple and told him to jump down if he was the son of man.
- He challenged him by quoting from psalms 91:11-12 that He will give angels charge of him
to guard him on all his ways and in their hand they will bear him up lest He dash his foot
against a stone.
- Jesus refuted by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 that you should not put the lord your God to
the test.
- After this the devil left Jesus until an opportune time.

How baptism of Jesus prepared him for His life in the wilderness.
- Voice from heaven you are my beloved son made him aware of his son ship. This became
the centre of his temptations ‘if you are the son of God.’
- Through the infilling of the Holy Spirit he was able to know the will of God.
- As son of God He decided to be obedient to the father and not to giving in to temptations.
- After baptism Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit who helped him to overcome temptations.

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Reasons why Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.
- To strengthen him for the tough mission.
- To show that God’s power should never be misused.
- To identify himself with the suffering of the human kind.
- To prove that He was the son of God.
- To teach mankind how to overcome temptations.
- To show that He was not using human power to win followers into the kingdom.
- To fulfill the old testament prophecies on the suffering servant
- To show that he came to rule a spiritual and not an earthly kingdom.

Lessons Christians learn from the temptation of Jesus.

- They should be knowledgeable in scriptures/biblical verses.
- They should resist the devil.
- Temptations are part and parcel of Christian life.
- They should have faith in God.
- They should worship God along.
- They should not put God to test.
- They should desire to have the Holy Spirit.
- They should not misuse the power of the Holy Spirit.
- They should be content with what they have.
- Fasting is important in their lives.

Instances in St. Luke gospel where Jesus was tempted.

- In the wilderness by satan before he started his public ministry.
- When he was asked to prove that he was the Messiah / son of God in his home town.
- In Nazareth when the people asked him to perform miracles that he had perform in
Capernaum.
- During transfiguration when peter wanted to build three tents inorder they remain in the
mountain.
- Tempted by the two sons of Zebedee when they asked him to destroy the unwelcoming
Samaritan.
- When Peter objected to his suffering and death.
- At the garden of Gethsemane when he asked God to remove the cup of suffering from him.
- At the cross when the crucified thief asked Jesus to save himself and them from the cross.
- During the trial whether he was the son of God.

Some of the temptations that young people face in Kenya today.

- Drugs and substances abuse.
- Prostitution due to lack of finance.
- Desire for pre-marital sex.
- Abortion due to unwanted
pregnancy.
- Cheating in exams.
- Stealing/ robbery.
- Attraction to devil worship.
- Plastic surgery to improve on
appearance.

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Similarities between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus.
- Both preached on the need for repentance and forgiveness of sin.
- Both had disciples.
- Both lived a humble and simple life.
- Both condemned Jewish leaders for their evils.
- Both were God’s messengers.
- Both were rejected by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.
- Both preached about sharing and helping the needy.
- Both came to Baptise people.
- The mission of both was a fulfilment of the old testament prophecies
- Both preached about God’s judgement and punishment for sinners

Differences between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus.
- John the Baptist preached mainly in the wilderness/the desert of Judah, while Jesus preached in the
synagogue /homes/cities/towns/temple.
- John the Baptist baptized people with water but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit /fire.
- John the Baptist lived the life of Nazarite, while Jesus mixed freely with all people.
- The emphasis of John the Baptist’s preaching was on the promised Messiah while that of Jesus was
about the Kingdom of God.
- John the Baptist message was direct whereas Jesus preached using parables.
- John the Baptist did not perform miracles, but Jesus’ Ministry was full of signs /wonders.
- John the Baptist was a forerunner/prepared the way while Jesus fulfilled the Messiah.

Topic 3: Infancy and Early Life of Jesus Christ

 Describe the annunciation of the birth of Jesus by Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1: 26 – 3(kcse2017)
 Outline the message of angel Gabriel to Mary in luke1:26-38. (kcse2008)
 In what ways was the life of Jesus going to be extra-ordinary according to Angel Gabriel.
 Outline the events that took place when Mary visited Elizabeth (kcse2011)
 Outline the events that took place on the night Jesus was born (kcse2009,14)
 Describe the visit of the Angel of the Lord to the shepherd on the night Jesus was born. kcse2006,15
 List seven virtues which Christians acquire while celebrating the birth of Jesus (kcse2015)
 Give three reasons why Christians give gifts to new born babies (kcse2014)
 Explain four revelations by Mary’s song magnificent about the nature of God. (kcse2008)
 Lessons Christians can learn from the magnificat. (kcse2018)
 In what ways do Christians express their gratitude to God for the birth of Jesus? (kcse2011)
 Explain the importance of singing in a Christian service (kcse2009)
 From the infancy narratives, what shows that the birth of Jesus Christ was extra-ordinary.
 With reference to the incident when Jesus was dedicated to God at the age of eight days, Outline what Simeon
and Anna revealed about his life.
 Describe four activities that took place during the dedication of Jesus in the temple (kcse2010)
 State seven lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was dedicated. (kcse2012)
 Explain Simeon's prophetic message about Jesus during His dedication in the temple. Lk 2: 21-40
 Give seven ways in which Christians show respect to places of worship in Kenya today.
 Give reasons why children should be dedicated to God.
 Give evidence from the early life of Jesus to show that he came from a poor family (kcse2007)
 Write down reasons why children should be introduced to the worship of God at an early age
 What lessons do Christians learn from the story of the boy Jesus in the temple. (kcse2010)
 Identify six qualities shown by Jesus when he accompanied his parents to the temple at the age of 12yrs
(kcse2008)
 State six ways in which parents develop their children's spiritual life.
 Give five lessons Christians learn about family relationships from the incident when Jesus accompanied his
parents in the temple at the age of twelve. (kcse2006)
 Give reasons why children should take part in church activities (kcse2007)
 Relate the incident when Jesus was baptized in River Jordan by John the Baptist (kcse2008,10)
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 What do Christian learn about Jesus form the incident he was baptized (kcse2014)
 Outline seven reasons why Christians undergoes baptism (kcse2012)
 Describe the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (kcse2007,14)
 Outline seven lessons Christians learn from the temptation of Jesus (kcse2007,14)
 Give four similarities from the angel's visits to Mary and Zachariah.
 Explain Four differences between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus(kcse2006)

 This is a brief view of the original CRE revision book.

It has a section of paper one and two.

• The original booklet contains: -

 All notes covering KNEC and KIE syllabus.

 Summarized points easy for students to understand and recall.

 The demanded answers’ structure which will make the learn earn marks
easily during marking.

 All marking schemes from 1996 – 2021.

 Past KCSE questions from 2006 at the end of every topic.

 Additional Questions to test retention capacity of the student.

 Max-mint is in-line with both KNEC and education syllabus giving

the finest details required to be known by the student before they sit
for their national examination.

 Recommended for both the teacher and the learners especially

those preparing for the KCSE exam.

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